Troopers investigating North Kitsap horse collision

POULSBO — Washington State Patrol troopers are investigating how four horses were able to wander out of an enclosed pasture early Friday and onto a foggy North Kitsap highway.

A semi struck the four horses, killing three of them. The fourth horse was injured, but Trooper Russ Winger, spokesman for the State Patrol, said that horse had been treated for abrasions and cuts and would be heading home.

Troopers were called at about 3 a.m. to Highway 3 near Big Valley Road, about 6 miles north of Poulsbo, according to a statement from the State Patrol.

A 1985 Peterbilt tractor, driven by a 27-year-old Port Hadlock man, was traveling north when it struck the horses. Winger described conditions as foggy, and the driver was unable to see the horses until it was too late.

"They were just there," Winger said.

The owner, who declined to be publicly identified, asked troopers to investigate. Two pasture gates on the property had been left open, Winger said.

"Usually it takes a human being to physically lock or unlock them," Winger said, later adding, "These horses are like their kids. They don't take it lightly, leaving gates open."

He said the owners would not likely be cited, partly because the damage to the truck was minimal.

"The loss of three animals like that, they are like family members, it's enough for them," Winger said.